The Phantom Torso of Space

The
Phantom Torso has become a regular sight on the International Space
Station over the last four months but now the limbless
mummy-like humanoid is back home again. Officially known as Matroshka,
the Phantom Torso is not so much a robot as a humanoid-shaped scientific
instrument. Matroshka's 35 layer high density plastic body is loaded
with 416 lithium-crystal dosimeter sensors that collect data from
galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and other radiation sources in space that
might endanger astronauts. The sensors are placed in the location of
vital human organs. All the data collected is being used by NASA
scientists to verify the accuracy of computer models used to predict the
safety of space missions for human astronauts.